Easing from the blistering summer into a colorful autumn creates a longing for festivals in the Midwest. Indiana fall festivals are plentiful in quantity and diversity.And in the Indianapolis area there are many to help keep your festival needs satisfied with pumpkins, music and cultural celebrations.
Who is in, who moved up or down, and who is out? Check out last year's list by clicking here. Here are my Top 10 Best Indianapolis Fall Festivals 2013.
1) Riley Days
What: The annual event highlights Indiana's poet James Whitcomb Riley. Actibites include children's parade of flowers, ceremonies, parade, more than 450 vendors, midway, pageant, music and more.
When: Oct. 3-6
Where: Greenfield
Website: RileyFestival.com
2) Penrod Arts Fair
What: 47th annual holding of more than 300 artists, 6 entertainment stages, 50 arts-related, non profit groups, extensive children's area, Indiana Craft Beer Garden NOTE: New this year An Evening with Penrod on Fri., Sept. 7.
When: Sept. 7-8
Where: Indianapolis Museum of Art grounds
Website: PenrodArtsFair.org
3) Indianapolis Scottish Highland Games & Festival
What: 4th annual celebration of Scottish heritage with reenactments, ceremonies, 50 world-class amateur-athletes participating in Celtic games including haggis toss, sheath and hammer throw, Scotch tasting, authentic food, beer, scotch, pipe bands, bagpipers, roving entertainers and children's activities.
2013 Time period: 1540s under King James V
When: Oct. 12
Where: German Park, Indianapolis
Website: IndyScotGamesandFest.com
What: Historic neighborhood street festival celebrating the charming community with more than 120 vendors, entertainment, fun, children's activities and a costume parade. Street festival is on 26th.
When: Oct. 19-26
Where: Historic Irvington neighborhood, Indianapolis
Website: IrvingtonHalloween.com
5) Feast of the Hunter's Moon
What: 46th annual recreation of the annual fall gathering of the French and Native Americans at a fur trading outpost in the mid 1700s.
When: Oct. 5-6
Where: Historic Fort Ouiatenon Park, West Lafayette, IN
Website: Tcha.mus.in.us
6) Heartland Film Festival
What: 21st annual event honoring uplifting independent, international films and film-related activities bringing together film professionals and enthusiasts for viewing of films, workshops and award ceremony.
When: Oct. 17-26
Where: Various locations throughout Indianapolis
Website: HeartlandFilmFestival.com
7) Fishers Renaissance Faire
What: 9th annual event showcasing the era of Queen Elizabeth I with more than 250 costumed characters, armed combat, jousting, period music and dancing, Shakespeare vignettes, knighting ceremonies, more than 70 artisans and merchants, food vendors, beer and mead.
2013 Theme: 20th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth I's coronation Time period: 1579
When: Oct. 5-6
Where: Fishers, IN
Website: FishersRenFaire.com
8) Covered Bridge Festival
What: 55th annual largest state festival showcases covered bridges, entertainment, and locally crafted items and food.
When: Oct. 12-21
Where: Various locations throughout Parke County; headquartered in Rockville, IN
Website: CoveredBridges.com
9) Versailles Pumpkin ShowWhat: 111th annual event celebrating America's favorite gourd ~ the pumpkin ~ with parades, food eating contests, music and pumpkins.
When: Sept. 25-26
Where: Versailles, IN
Website: VersaillesPumpkinShow.com
10) Cambridge Canal Days Festival
What: The 41st annual heritage event includes tractor show, kids race, haunt and historic tours, golf tournament, street vendors, ice cream social and pies, food vendors, beer garden and more.
When: Sept. 7-8
Where: Cambridge City
Website: VisitRichmond.org
Images: Izzy Evans and furnished
Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated fine-living, travel columnist, freelance writer, and performing arts and restaurant critic. Read Infused, at GottaGo.us and FoodandDrinkDigital.com and catch her as Indy’s Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC. Gotta Go is published on Gottago.us, BroadwayWorld.com, in M and Retired Living magazines and several Indianapolis area newspapers. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.
Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated fine-living, travel columnist, freelance writer and photographer, and performing arts and restaurant critic for Gotta Go. Read Infused, her spirits, wine & beer lifestyle column, at www.GottaGo.us and www.FoodDigital.com and catch her as Indy’s Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC. Gotta Go is published on www.Gottago.us, www.BroadwayWorld.com, and in print. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.
